Compact embedded PC can serve as PLC, motion controller

The CX9020 Embedded PC by Beckhoff Automation features a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor and can become a PLC and motion controller with automation software.

05/29/2013

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The CX9020 Embedded PC by Beckhoff Automation is DIN rail mounted and equipped with a powerful 1 GHz ARM Cortex A8 processor. The CX9020 is suitable for a wide range of PLC and motion control applications in small and medium sized machines, systems or buildings.

The CX9020 integrates a CPU, numerous connectivity solutions and optional interfaces, a power supply and a direct I/O interface for Beckhoff I/O systems, all in one compact housing. The CX9020 can operate in demanding environments with temperatures ranging between -25 to +60 °C making it ideal for a wide range of manufacturing facility types and outdoor applications, including wind turbines and solar power installations.

In combination with the TwinCAT automation software platform from Beckhoff, the CX9020 becomes a dependable PLC and motion controller that can be used with or without visualization.

The solid-state CX9020 is fanless and equipped with two microSD card slots providing the option for larger storage capacity on the device. It also comes with a 256 MB microSD card for the operating system; the supplemental microSD card slot can be used for additional operator data. The CPU inside the CX9020 has access to an impressive 1 GB of internal DDR3 RAM memory. In addition, 128 Kbyte of NOVRAM are available for data storage in the event of a power failure.

The basic configuration of the CX9020 includes two switched Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s RJ 45 interfaces, four USB-2.0 interfaces and a DVI-D interface. The RJ 45 interfaces are connected to an internal switch and offer a simple option for creating a line topology without the need for additional Ethernet switches. A “multi-optional” interface permits the integration of an additional interface, such as EtherCAT (slave only), Profinet, EtherNet/IP, Profibus, CANopen, DeviceNet, serial interface (RS232/RS422/RS485) or audio.

Another smart feature of the CX9020 is its ability to automatically detect the directly-connected Bus Terminal I/O or EtherCAT Terminal I/O and switch to the respective mode for convenient system management.